Tension builds up in Bimbilla; residents ready to flee

Information reaching Joy News indicates residents of Bimbilla in the Nanumba District of the Northern Region are living in fear of possible clashes in the area.

Local journalist, Osman Nuhu told Joy News tension has been building in the area for days resulting in the closure of shops in the community.

“There was a rumor of a possible clash this morning by families who lost their relatives in the last conflict,” he said.

According to him, some parents have refused to allow their children to go to school so that they can prepare to flee the town in the event of a clash.

At least ten people were left dead in the February 10 clash following a chieftaincy dispute. Machetes and guns were used by supporters of the factions during the conflict.

Northern Regional Police Command confirmed seven of the residents killed were women and three children.

Government intensified the curfew to 14 hours beginning from 4:00pm to 6:00am. There was already a 12-hour curfew situation from 6:00-6:00pm. The curfew is to allow the security taskforce made up of both military and police personnel despatched to the area to maintain peace.

The Northern Regional House of Chiefs also held meetings with leadership of the two factions to understand their difficulties and to urge calm.

But days later, Joy News has gathered there is the likelihood of a reprisal attack by persons who lost their relatives in the previous clash.

Nuhu said the situation might not be pleasant if the government and security apparatus fail to act on the intelligence on the ground which is pointing to another clash.